Authentic

Not Leaving Here Tonight

LL Cool J

Lyrics & Rhyme Analysis

16

End

79

Internal

52

Multi

148

Slant

6

Chain

Rhyme Groups — hover to spotlight
Farmer's✦ Boulevard✦
[Verse 2: LL Cool J]
Turn your back on it and the sun still shines✦
Grapes✦ get old and they turn into wine
The deeper the roots, the stronger the vines✦
These lines✦ on my face just a sign of the times✦
You could cry on my shoulder if you're so inclined
I used to be a Casanova in the lunchroom line
Now there's✦ more important things occupying my mind
Like being there for you, breathing the air for you
Do trust falls and truth or dare for you
The weight of the world, I'm prepared to bear for you
The haters get cynical and call you spoiled✦
Not knowing 'bout the drama in which you embroiled✦
The numerous pit falls, the tussle and the toil
But farmers✦ taught me to put seeds in the soil
And here comes✦ the harvest, this part's the hardest
I'm still here regardless
[Hook: Fitz & The Tantrums (LL Cool J)]
You shouldn't be (I'm still here, baby)✦ alone✦
I'm not leaving✦ you tonight✦ (And you shouldn't be alone)✦
Love, you know, (Uh, uh) I'm right here
I'm not leaving✦ you tonight✦ (Nah, nah)
Go away,✦ (Yeah) baby✦
I'm not leaving✦ you tonight✦ (Uh)
Go away,✦ baby✦
I'm not leaving✦ you, not leaving✦ you tonight✦
[Bridge: Eddie Van Halen (LL Cool J)]
(When I'm alone✦ in my room, sometimes✦ I stare at the wall)
(And in the back of my mind, I hear my conscience✦ call)
(When I'm alone✦ in my room, sometimes✦ I stare at the wall)
(And in the back of my mind, I hear my conscience✦ call)
[Hook: Fitz & The Tantrums (LL Cool J)]
You shouldn't be (I'm still here, baby)✦ alone✦
I'm not leaving✦ you tonight✦ (And you shouldn't be alone)✦
Love, you know, (Uh, uh) I'm right here
I'm not leaving✦ you tonight✦ (Nah, nah)
Go away,✦ (Yeah) baby✦
I'm not leaving✦ you tonight✦ (Uh)
Go away,✦ baby✦
I'm not leaving✦ you, not leaving✦ you tonight✦
[Outro: LL Cool J]
Farmer's✦ Boulevard✦
Queens

Technical Breakdown

7.8
Multisyllabic Rhymes9.5

Complexity of rhyme schemes (data-driven)

Internal Rhymes9.5

Rhymes within a line (data-driven)

Wordplay / Double Entendres6.5

Clever language, metaphors, punchlines

Cadence / Rhythm8.0

Flow variation and timing (data-driven)

Vocabulary Complexity6.0

Range and depth of words used (data-driven)

Delivery / Breath Control7.5

Performance and control

Computed Score7.83

Production

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Critic Analysis
RAPLEDGER BAROMETER™

LL Cool J utilizes a mature, grounded thematic arc that prioritizes lyrical sincerity and rhythmic consistency over the braggadocio-heavy wordplay characteristic of his earlier career, resulting in a cohesive, mid-tempo narrative flow.

B+
9.5
Multisyllabic
9.5
Internal Rhymes
8
Cadence / Flow
6
Vocabulary
6.5
Wordplay
7.5
Delivery
Internal AAAA rhyme sequencesThematic extended metaphor (agriculture/growth)Anaphoric structureMultisyllabic enjambment
Rhyme Architecture: The verse relies on a dense AAAA mono-rhyme structure, punctuated by sustained internal rhyme clusters that demonstrate strong technical facility while maintaining a conversational, mature tone.
Verified Doubles & Entendres

"The deeper the roots, the stronger the vines"

① The literal agricultural growth of a plant where root depth dictates resilience.② The maturation of personal experience and history providing stability in an adult relationship.

"These lines on my face just a sign of the times"

① Physical evidence of aging skin appearing as wrinkles.② A reflection of the passage of time and the wisdom acquired through LL Cool J's extensive career.

"Farmers taught me to put seeds in the soil"

① Literal instruction on agricultural preparation.② Metaphorical advice on investing effort, loyalty, and time into a relationship to yield a 'harvest'.

Coherent thematic progression from youth to maturity

Excellent rhythmic stability within the selected pocket

Sophisticated use of the 'roots/vines/harvest' metaphor to ground the narrative

Some metaphors lack secondary linguistic depth

Vocabulary remains relatively accessible, sacrificing complexity for clarity

Occasional reliance on nostalgic tropes in the second half

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